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Bathing spaces in the home must necessarily serve several purposes, combining a place for cleanliness with room for stimulation and relaxation as well as a healing atmosphere. And it sometimes becomes a more social environment. Ideally, you should

choose a large room that can function as another type of living space, a pleasant space where you will want to spend time. For practical reasons, the toilet is better sited in a separate, adjoining room and fitted with a wash basin.

Ideally, the natural bathroom will have a closer and more intimate relationship with green space than an ordinary one. The bathing space featured here was designed for its view over the secluded garden. The bath itself can be the conventional Western type, but a deep tub with a built-in seat is better for soaking; water is recycled through a small heater to keep it at a constant temperature. A raised floor area can accommodate the depth of the tub or access can be via a step. The adjoining wet area is larger than usual and handy for quick showers or a thorough cleansing and scrubbing prior to soaking. The nonslip, tiled shower tray can be stoppered to provide a shallow bathing and water play area; small children should never be left unattended. Babies are best bathed in a bowl with only a few inches of water, at a temperature of 30°C (86°F); you can avoid backache by placing the bowl on a low stool — also useful for elderly people while showering.

The bathroom provides ample space for simple exercises and massage or for resting after bathing. The materials are natural — ceramic, nonslip clay tiles for the wet areas, and ceiling and wall plaster painted with a water-based microporous paint that allows the walls to breathe. You could also finish them with untreated cork or timber; the heat and moisture from hot baths bring out the delightful aroma of timbers, such as Japanese cypress and cedar. Good and permanent ventilation and windows that open are essential to expel excess moist air and, in radon “hot spots”, you will also need an extractor fan. Warm floors are pleasant in the bathroom, and underfloor heating and hot towel rails are optional extras. Wicker or cane furniture, moisture-loving plants (such as ferns and aroids), soothing colours, natural fragrances, and soft lighting all help to create a restful space.

Bathing is a time for relaxation and contemplation. Sun and daylight, entering through double-glazed safety windows giving a view into the quiet garden, increase the feeling of wellbeing. It is a safe and secure place, with nonslip rubber mats inside and outside the bath and shower tray, and safety grips designed for the elderly. A “low-flow” shower head is more conserving than the standard nozzle. Condensation and humidity are controlled through open windows and doors, permanent ventilation, moisture-loving plants, and absorbent wall finishes. All lights are enclosed for safety and operated by ceiling pull-cords or switches outside the room; the only power socket is for an electric shaver. Metal pipes, baths, and fixtures have all been earthed. The recessed cabinet with sliding mirror doors, holds essential oils, shampoos, soaps, and bath salts. Fit it with a lock to protect small children.

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